First Evening Ideas? What Park?

[zoolady1]

Ok, so we're arriving the 1/15..we should get to the AKL by 3:30..
Our flight lands about 2:25..so, after check in which park should we check out?
I had wanted to do MK, but it's an EMH night, plus the cheerleading convention is still there, my assumption is that MK will be a zoo..plus being Sunday anyway..
Any other suggestions? AK will be too late..
Or should we just chill out and check out the lodge..TIA!
Ruth

 

[The Sweetness]

On my arrival date to WDW, I will check in and chill until dinner, at Chef Mickey's. For sure dd2 will get to meet the big guy on our first night

 

[Eljay]

I am assuming that this is your first time at the AKL?
This resort is a destination in itself! I would unwind by taking a resort tour, guided if possible, on your own if the guided tour has finished already. The savannah area off the lobby is wonderful and is staffed with animal experts to answer questions. There will be a schedule of events that you can check. There are storytellers by the firepit, a beautiful pool, (weather permitting,) a suspended bridge in the lobby that you can walk across or stop on to take great pictures from, a legendary buffet restaurant called Boma, a top rated fine dining restaurant called Jiko or a wonderful quick serve called the Mara. If the weather is nice, you can grab food at the Mara and carry it right outside to eat poolside. The giftshop is fantastic and the African art is amazing.

If you really are anxious to get going to the parks, I would go to Epcot. The World Showcase is one of the most beautiful places you will ever see at sunset, there is great entertainment to stop & watch and the food offerings are fab. At 9:00 pm, you can watch Illuminations and then return to the AKL, which takes on a mysterious, cozy atmosphere at night. A glass of wine from the Victoria Falls lounge sipped by the lobby fireplace would be a perfect end to the day.

Enjoy!

 

[pepe of ohio]

I would skip all the parks and not blow a ticket unless you have AP's. When we don't have AP's we spend time at the pool or go to Fort Wilderness for dinner or just take the bus to DTD and wander around and take care of the shopping day aspect of our trip. This being out of the way, because there is always time set aside for DTD shopping, we have sort of a free day to do a park we really like or do a water park. When we hold AP's, have had them from time to time, we just go to the parks for lunch, a quick look see and are back using the resort facilities that cost more then a park ticket. Evenings are prefered to us for park going, sooners usually leave to face the traffic problems, its cooler and the lights really dazzle up the parks to create a different atmosphere then day time. Staying at AKL, you have a good bus trip everywhere, stayed there once, and really not much to see after dark or do. AK closes at dark so its onto one of the other 3 parks, usually the one thats open the latest being MGM and EPCOT usually close around the same time. MK is our favorite so we resort in that area to utilize the hours and other resorts.

 

[dfuller]

I agree with the previous posts. We are veteran AKLers, and the first day/evening, we unpack and enjoy the resort, have dinner at BOMA, sit by the firepit with drinks, shop a little at the store downstairs, maybe dip in the hot tub, watch the animals a little, and just relax, resting up for our week. It's one of the highlights of our trip.

 

[pezpam]

Agreed. Unless I had an AP, I wouldn't go to a park. Unpack, sit down for a few minutes, have a ncie dinner, walk around a resort or DTD..... just generally relax after the trip and get into the Disney spirit without using up a ticket-day.

 

[zoolady1]

Thanks..I guess that's the plan then.. relax..
I just got my travel info and I only have 6 day hoppers,so that settles that.

 

[Eljay]

Excellent choice! If you go out to the savannah area after dark, ask the CM if you can look through their night-vision binoculars. You will be amazed at what is lurking in the bushes!

If you encounter any CMs from Africa, ask them about their home and about themselves. They are charming people and very interesting to chat with!

 

[metsfan11]

definetly chill at the hotel

it is absolutely astonishing


have fun!